PARS assistant boss Dave Mackay has described Sam Fisher's departure as "disappointing" but said they "might get him back at some point".

On Friday, ahead of Athletic's Scottish Cup, fourth round tie at Partick Thistle, it was announced that the 21-year-old had been recalled from his loan by parent club Dundee.

The Dark Blues, who Dunfermline face tomorrow (Tuesday) in the SPFL Trust Trophy quarter-finals, had agreed to allow the centre back to move to KDM Group East End Park on loan for the season in August.

However, after he made 17 appearances in all competitions for the League One leaders, Gary Bowyer's Championship outfit utilised a recall option to take Fisher back to Dens Park.

Speaking after the game at Firhill, which saw Dunfermline lose on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra-time, Mackay said that it wasn't "dead in the water" in relation to Fisher potentially returning to the club.

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"It's really disappointing," he said of the player's recall.

"Sam's been outstanding for us. He's a great boy as well and the players are disappointed to lose him, but these things happen. Sometimes, you take loan players in, and they do so well for you, there's always the danger that they're going to get recalled by their parent club.

"But, who knows. We might get him back at some point. It's not dead in the water.

"We'd love to get him back but, if not, we just have to get on without him, whether we replace him, or go with what we've got.

"If we bring somebody in, they have to be better than what we've already got at the minute, so we'll see what's available."

Dunfermline Press:

Dave Mackay said that Dunfermline hope Sam Fisher may return in the future. Photo:  Craig Brown.

After making his debut as a late substitute in September's 2-0 win at Queen of the South, Fisher has gone on to help the Pars to the top of League One, where they hold a seven-point gap over nearest challengers Falkirk and FC Edinburgh.

He has been part of a Dunfermline defence that has conceded just 11 goals in 20 league games, as well as recording they've also recorded 12 clean sheets in that time.

Fisher's return to Dundee has been the only activity of the January transfer window at East End so far, although Kane Ritchie-Hosler's loan from Rangers was extended until the summer, whilst it was also confirmed that Chris Mochrie would see out his temporary deal until the end of the season from Dundee United.